why does my throat hurt when i swallow

Pain when swallowing (medically known as odynophagia) happens when the tissues in your throat or esophagus become inflamed, swollen, or irritated. The most common cause is a viral infection, such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19.

Common Causes

• Viral infections. Illnesses like the cold, flu, COVID-19, or mononucleosis inflame the back of the throat. These usually come with other symptoms like a cough, runny nose, or body aches, and clear up on their own within a week.
• Bacterial infections. Strep throat and bacterial tonsillitis cause sudden, severe pain when swallowing. Unlike viruses, strep rarely causes a cough or runny nose, and often includes a fever, swollen neck glands, and white patches on the tonsils.
• Allergies and postnasal drip. Reactions to pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause excess mucus to drip down the back of your throat. This constant dripping irritates the tissue and makes swallowing scratchy or painful.
• Acid reflux (GERD). Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus can burn and inflame the lining of your throat. This is often worse in the morning or after lying down.
• Dryness and physical irritation. Sleeping with your mouth open, breathing dry air, yelling, smoking, or eating very hot or sharp foods (like chips) can dry out or scratch your throat.

Home Remedies for Relief

While your throat heals, several simple steps can ease the discomfort recommended by Mayo Clinic:

• Gargle with salt water. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle to reduce swelling and clear mucus.
• Stay hydrated. Sip warm liquids like broth or tea with honey, or suck on ice chips and throat lozenges to keep your throat moist.
• Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air helps soothe dry, irritated tissues, especially while you sleep.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage sharp pain and inflammation.

When to See a Doctor

You should contact a healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than a week, keeps coming back, or is accompanied by a fever over 101°F (38.3°C) or white spots on your tonsils. Seek immediate medical care if you have trouble breathing, cannot swallow liquids, or notice excessive drooling.